MIDCOAST—To paraphrase Auntie Mame, "Maine is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death."

These last days of summer are not for scrolling, lounging, or wasting, for there are many experiences still to be had. Here are three in the Midcoast to get the most out of August's swan song.

Beat the End-of-Summer Blues by Going Blueberry Picking in Lincolnville

Belfast Blueberry Cooperative in Lincolnville is a small-scale operation focused on wild, lowbush Maine blueberries. With story after story in the news about the FDA reporting food contamination and recalls, including frozen blueberries, it only makes sense to pick your own food. Their crops rely entirely on rain, sunshine, and wild pollinators, with no chemical pesticide sprays. 

According to Shana Hanson, a coordinator with the cooperative, people can pick their own blueberries at the Cattail & Sky Field in Lincolnville, but there is a procedure to obtain permission. First, they have to call her at 338-3301 and leave a voicemail with a name and phone number. Participants will also have to sign a waiver at the sign-in kiosk. There are a number of rules to follow, such as avoid wearing any chemicals such as insect spray, and understanding the risks of ticks. The experience costs $5 per quart, and quart baskets are provided. FMI: Belfast Bluberry Cooperative

Spend an afternoon with Maine's Fluffiest Livestock

Keeping with the blue theme, Tthe Blue Alpaca Ranch offers free alpaca tours at 18 Poors Mill Road in Belfast until October.

Tours are roughly 15-20 minutes long and give visitors the opportunity to enter the alpaca enclosures with a ranch worker, allowing people to meet, pet, and possibly feed the animals. They also have some rules, including no dogs allowed, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and insect spray, and be ready for inclement weather.

If you're in a group of more than six people, call ahead at 207-558-1859 so they can be prepared. Donations are appreciated. If you're interested in more up-and-close experiences with the alpacas, the ranch offers $30 half-hour guided walks. FMI: Blue Alpaca Ranch 

Sit Under The Stars And Watch A Maine Film

The Maine Outdoor Film Fest is back in the Midcoast this week and is setting up a big screen at the Camden Public Library Amphitheatre on Friday, August 28, at 7:30 p.m. (Rain Date: Sunday, August 30). All of the films are shorts and the full program lasts 90 minutes. Some notable films in the program include: Adapt, a six-minute film about Shelby Estocado, a snowboarder who suffered a spinal cord injury in 2020 and is now an adaptive skier as a way to regain her independence and push past limits. Another film to catch is Lobster Queen, the story of Captain Gail Atkinson, who forged her career by taking chances when no one would hire her. They say women are bad luck on boats? Not this Queen. 

The event is free with a suggested donation of $5-10. The film program . Bring a camp chair, warm clothing, insect repellent, etc. FMI: MOFF

Want even more suggestions? Check out our story from 2023: Three totally Maine things to do to stretch out last summer days

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com